If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pizza, this oatmeal and zucchini pizza is the perfect choice. Made with oat flour, zucchini, eggs, and cheese, this recipe offers a nutritious and delicious way to satisfy your pizza cravings without the guilt. It’s quick to prepare, packed with veggies, and makes a great meal for any time of the day. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- Zucchini: 1 medium-sized
- Grated Cheese: 3.5 oz (100 g) (use mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite cheese)
- Oat Flour: 4 tablespoons (30 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Trim and Grate: Start by trimming the ends off the zucchini. Grate the zucchini onto a flat plate using a coarse grater. Grating the zucchini finely will help it blend well into the dough, giving a smooth texture.
- Salt and Rest: Sprinkle a bit of salt over the grated zucchini, mix well, and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Salting the zucchini draws out excess moisture, which helps the dough hold together better.
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: After resting, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. Transfer the drained zucchini to a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Dough
- Combine Ingredients: Add the oat flour, grated cheese, and eggs to the bowl with the squeezed zucchini. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Well: Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and you have a soft, compact dough. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet.
3. Form the Pizza
- Line the Pizza Pan: Line a round pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the pizza after baking.
- Spread the Dough: Spread the zucchini mixture evenly on the lined pan, using a spatula or your hands to shape it into a round pizza base about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure the edges are slightly raised to hold in any toppings you might add later.
4. Bake the Pizza
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s hot enough for even baking.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the prepared pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and set. The cheese will melt and bind the ingredients, creating a cohesive and flavorful crust.
5. Serve
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly on the pan. This helps set the crust and makes it easier to cut.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the pizza into wedges and serve it hot. Enjoy your healthy pizza as is, or top it with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve as a light main course with a fresh salad on the side for a balanced meal.
- Snack or Appetizer: Cut into smaller pieces and serve as a healthy snack or appetizer at gatherings.
- Toppings: Customize your pizza with your favorite toppings such as sliced tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, or a dollop of tomato sauce for a more traditional pizza flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 6 slices)
- Calories: 90 kcal per serving
- Total Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
This oatmeal and zucchini pizza is a light and nutritious alternative to traditional pizza, offering the flavors you love with fewer calories and carbs. The oat flour provides a good source of fiber, while the zucchini adds moisture and nutrients.
Pro Tips:
- Make Your Own Oat Flour: If you don’t have oat flour on hand, simply blend rolled oats in a food processor or blender until finely ground.
- Avoid Over-Moist Dough: Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini to achieve the best texture.
- Add Extra Flavor: For added flavor, mix in herbs like oregano, thyme, or garlic powder directly into the dough mixture.
Enjoy this clean, healthy, and delicious pizza alternative that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion! It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while satisfying your pizza cravings in a healthier way.